South Africa 0-1 Canada Player Ratings: Eustaquio Wins It Late For Jesse Marsch's Side To Seal Round of 16 Spot

The first Round of 32 fixture in the 2026 FIFA World Cup happened to be between South Africa and Canada at the Los Angeles Stadium in the USA. This was the very first time that the two teams had qualified for the knockout stages of the global gathering event and the second head-to-head meeting between the two teams since their international friendly in 2007.

The Canada national football team were the more attacking side in the first half, even though they had less possession than South Africa, maintaining an xG of 0.94 with a total of 7 shots taken, of which four were on target.

On the other hand, the South Africa national football team looked to hit the hosts on the counter, but lacked the final ball, which could cause trouble in and around the Canadian box. Jesse Marsch's side should have taken the lead in the first half, given the number of chances they were presented with.

Their best chance came when Moïse Bombito tried to head in from a corner just before halftime, but Aubrey Maphosa Modiba's valiant off-the-line clearance kept it out. Tajon Buchanan hit a shot on the follow-up, but goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was quick to make himself big and save from point-blank range to keep the scores level.

Canada appealed for a penalty in the injury time of the first half after Khuliso Mudau seemed to put a late challenge on Richie Laryea, but a brief VAR check showed the faintest of touches on the ball by the South African defender, which saved Bafana Bafana once again.

The second half saw no change, as Canada pushed for the goal while South Africa were majorly on the back foot. Williams made some really good saves, and the South African defense put their body on the line to prevent any form of danger, which could ruin their chances of going deep into the game.

It was Canada who found the decisive goal in the 92nd minute, as skipper Stephen Eustaquio hit one from the edge of the box to give Marsch's side the lead in this fixture. Bafana Bafana tried their best to equalize in the time that was left, but failed to get the goal that would take them into extra time.

Canada were the more deserving side to go through, while South Africa would be proud of the way they played despite the unfortunate heartbreak.

Check out the South Africa vs Canada Player Ratings.

South Africa National Football Team Player Ratings vs Canada

Here are the South Africa national football team player ratings from the South Africa vs Canada Player Ratings.

Canada National Football Team Player Ratings vs South Africa

Take a look at the Canada national football team player ratings from the South Africa vs Canada Player Ratings.

Man of the Match

Stephen Eustaquio was adjudged as Sportsdunia's man of the match in this FIFA World Cup Round of 32 fixture.

Worst Performer

Evidence Makgopa was the worst performer from South Africa vs Canada.